webadminMore people than we can ever think of battle mental health disorders, either on a daily basis or have done so at some point or the other in their lives. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), more than 20 percent American adults, aged 18 years and above, suffered from any mental illness in the past year. This percentage has risen every year since 2008, when it was 17.7 percent.
In spite of such a huge percentage of the population being affected by mental illnesses and the rising awareness, the field of mental health is riddled with myths. In this article, we will try to dispel the top 5 myths about mental health.
Myth 1: Mental illnesses are a moral flaw or a result of poor lifestyle choices
Fact: Mental health disorders can affect anybody regardless of their caste, financial status or social standing. Considering these a result of poor lifestyle choices, a moral flaw, as something that affects only people who do not have a strong willpower or a way God uses to punish the sinners is groundless.
Myth 2: Mental health disorders can be avoided by priesthood blessings
Fact: The only way to avoid a mental health disorder is by maintaining a sound mental health. And if afflicted by a mental health disorder, then long-term recovery and management of mental health disorders can be achieved with a combination of consistent medication management, counseling and alternative therapies tailored to suit an individual’s needs and requirements.
Myth 3: People battling mental disorders are dangerous and should therefore be kept in solitary confinement.
Fact: Majority of the people battling mental health disorders are not dangerous. As their perception of the self and the world around them is altered, they may appear to be different, but it is not necessary that they would pose a threat to someone. In fact, most people suffering from a mental health disorder are scared of other people and would rather keep to themselves. However, this does not mean that they should be isolated. Quarantining them would aggravate their condition.
Myth 4: Mental health disorders affect only the elderly.
Fact: There have been numerous incidents where children as young as 6 years have also exhibited symptoms of a mental illness. For some mental health illnesses, the average age of onset varies from 15 to 25 years of age. Remember, mental health illnesses do not differentiate on the basis of age. They can affect anybody.
Myth 5: Mental health disorders cannot be treated.
Fact: Nearly all mental health problems can be successfully treated or at least managed in severe cases. However, timely intervention and long-term treatment is needed for continued relief.
Seeking help for mental health disorders
Mental health disorders are complex and require expert opinion. They can be caused by a number of factors, which only a doctor can ascertain. With the advancement in science, it has become easier for doctors to treat these conditions successfully. Seeking help at the earliest ensures that the symptoms and signs are recognized and timely medical intervention is provided to the person suffering.
Mind Health Network is known for connecting people requiring mental health care with mental health treatment centers offering suitable support in a favorable environment for long-term healing. The team of professionals at Mind Health Network is committed towards delivering compassionate and skill-based assistance by considering the individual needs of each patient. Our wide range of network facilities have developed reliable and efficient inpatient treatment programs for mental health to provide treatment and therapy for majority mental health disorders.
If you or a loved one is battling a mental health disorder, feel free to reach out to us at Mind Health Network. You can call our 24/7 mental health treatment helpline for more information about mental health treatment programs near you. You can also chat online with a representative from the admissions team to learn more about treatment modalities as well as about our network of mental health treatment centers.
